Functional & Applied Anatomy of the Hip Joint

A type of arthritis that affects the hip, characterized by thin cartilage, bare spots on bone, and grinding causing mechanical pain.

A condition where the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) dies, causing pain and collapse due to the inability of the dead bone to withstand weight.

A form of arthritis that mainly affects the synovium (joint lining) and leads to destruction of cartilage and surrounding bone.

The narrowed and irregular joint space in the hip can lead to osteoarthritis.

A condition in children where the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to the death of the bone.

Lacking blood vessels. Particularly relevant in the context of bone healing, as this means damaged tissue may not receive adequate blood supply for repair.

The death of cells and tissues due to lack of blood supply.

A surgical procedure to replace a damaged hip joint with an artificial one. It involves implanting a prosthetic joint to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Located outside the joint capsule, referring to a hip fracture.

Located within the joint capsule, referring to a hip fracture.

A fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones, muscles, and tendons. There are several important bursae around the hip joint.

Inflammation of the trochanteric bursa, a fluid-filled sac near the hip bone. It often causes pain and tenderness around the hip.

Inflammation of a joint, often caused by damage to the cartilage. It's characterized by pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.

The most common type of arthritis, characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints, leading to pain and stiffness.

Bony spurs (osteophytes) that develop on the edge of joints in osteoarthritis. They can restrict movement.

The hip joint is known as a 'ball and socket' synovial joint. This means it allows for a wide range of movement in different directions, similar to a ball fitting into a socket. However, this mobility comes at the cost of some stability.

The acetabulum is a deep, cup-shaped socket on the hip bone (innominate bone) that receives the head of the femur. This deep fit contributes to the hip joint's stability.

The head of the femur (thigh bone) is a smooth, rounded ball that fits into the acetabulum. It is responsible for providing the ball-like component of the hip joint.

The femoral neck connects the femoral head to the femoral shaft (the main part of the thigh bone). It's a narrow area that is often the site of fracture, especially in elderly individuals.

The iliofemoral ligament is the strongest ligament in the body. It helps stabilize the hip joint by preventing excessive movement, particularly hyperextension. In standing, it keeps the femoral head firmly seated in the acetabulum.

The pubofemoral ligament reinforces the inferior and anterior aspect of the hip joint, assisting in preventing hyperabduction (excessive outward movement) of the hip.

The ischiofemoral ligament helps to prevent hyper-extension of the hip and supports the posterior part of the joint. It works to pull the femoral head into the acetabulum.

The iliopsoas muscle is a powerful flexor of the hip, responsible for bending the hip forward. It also helps to externally rotate the hip.

The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body and a powerful extensor of the hip. It helps to straighten the leg backwards and also assists in external rotation.

The gluteus medius and minimus are responsible for abducting the hip (moving the leg away from the body). They also help in internal rotation.

The superior gluteal nerve supplies muscles that abduct and laterally rotate the thigh, while the inferior gluteal nerve innervates muscles that extend the hip.

The lateral and medial circumflex arteries are the main supply to the femoral head, travelling within the fibrous capsule of the hip joint. These arteries may be damaged in fractures of the femoral neck.

A common issue that can occur at the hip joint. It describes the complete separation of the femoral head from the acetabulum. It can be caused by trauma or congenital factors.

A type of hip fracture that occurs within the capsule of the hip joint. It is a common injury in older adults due to weakened bones.

This type of hip fracture happens outside of the hip joint's capsule, usually affecting the trochanters (bumps on the thigh bone). This is a less serious fracture than a femoral neck fracture.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is a common cause of hip pain. It involves gradual damage to the cartilage lining the joint surfaces. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can also affect the hip joint.